Gwennie

[West9shore]

Last year I had a continuous chest infection for nearly 7 months, had numerous antibiotics and steroids I am on Spiolto Restimat inhaler which is non steroid. I had a dreadful reaction to steroids and now refuse to take them. Although my GP suggested a nasal inhaler with steroid ( Beconaise) which I could tolerate. and found very effective but does produce the occasional nose bleed. This Winter the nurse recommended I try Trimbow which after a couple of weeks made my B/P soar , my B/P pills were increased so asked if I could go back on Spiolto Restimat which was agreed. In the meantime my B/P dropped , my breathing has got worse. Does anyone else suffer from intolerance to steroids and what can the answer be.?

[Poobah]

I'm not sure, from your post, if your reaction to steroids is only to Prednisolone or if it is also to inhaled steroids.

I can tolerate inhaled steroids but can no longer tolerate Prednisolone and it doesn't address any asthma flare, regardless of the trigger. The alternative options for asthmatics seem to be different to COPD patients. It looks like your Dr is following guidelines by prescribing Spiolto Respimat, as it's steroid free but contains a long acting bronchodilator plus a long acting muscarinic (muscle relaxant).

I now take Azithromycin for asthma flares (usually caused by virus or chest infection) and the course is 16 weeks, though some have a 12 week course or some are on it permanently. It works by reducing the inflammation, even though it's a macrolide antibiotic. A quick Google search gives details about the use of Azithromycin for COPD flares by the NHS. So it looks as though it's an option to be considered by you and your doctor.